DR ELSIE INGLIS AND THE SCOTTISH WOMEN’S HOSPITALS REMEMBERED 100 YEARS ON

Scotland yesterday commemorated the remarkable achievements of Dr Elsie Inglis and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals during the WW1 effort, 100 years to the minute since the start of her funeral in 1917. A service of thanksgiving was held at 2pm in Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral, the same location as the original funeral a century ago.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life attended the service today, with a number of special guests paying their respects including HRH The Princess Royal, who laid a commemorative wreath and gave a reading.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross also attended, along with officials from some of the nations where Elsie set up hospitals such as France, Serbia and Romania. Other notable guests included Elsie’s descendants and Members of the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland.

The Military Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland marched down from the Castle Esplanade to perform outside St Giles Cathedral before the arrival of HRH The Princess Royal.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland

Army nurse Sergeant Catherine Pounder handed a wreath to HRH to lay at the Dr Elsie Inglis plaque within the Cathedral before the service, conducted by Reverend Calum MacLeod, got underway.

During her life, Elsie made a remarkable contribution to both the allied WW1 effort and the women’s suffrage movement. Seeing Britain’s entry into the war as an opportunity for women to play their part but unable to serve Britain on the front line herself due to restrictions on where women doctors could serve, Elsie offered her services to Britain’s allies leading to the formation of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals. In total, seventeen Scottish Women’s Hospitals and a number of satellite hospitals and dressing stations were set up across Europe, to treat soldiers and sometimes civilians. Of the near 1,500 personnel, only around 20 were men.

The Scottish Women’s Hospitals served the war effort from 1914 to 1919 and were not formally disbanded until 1925. A vigorous campaigner for votes for women, by this cause she also knew she would demonstrate the capabilities of women while doing her bit for the war effort.

Dr Elsie Inglis, founder of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, commented: “Elsie Inglis was a remarkable woman and it is right 100 years on that we reflect on her remarkable achievements. A powerful role model for women today she was undeterred by the restraints of society and social norms and she ploughed ahead with her vision to provide medical services during World War One.

“She used her skills to demonstrate what women are capable of, helping women win the vote while looking after men on the frontline. And she helped look after both the prosperous and the poor in Edinburgh.

“As we work to fix social injustices and ensure equality today, we should reflect on what has been achieved in the 100 years since Elsie’s death. And we should celebrate the role that she, and the women who served with her in the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, achieved for us today.”

Descendant Patricia Purdom, said: “I am tremendously proud of Elsie Inglis and her achievements, and I am delighted that her memory is being recognised through these services. I would have loved to have met her and heard her stories first-hand. I remembered my father recalling her remarkable achievements when we would look through the family album and I’m very privileged to still have these photos today.”